Belarus Tourist Visa for Indian - Definitive Guide

Among the different kinds of visas, a tourist visa is a common type of visa that is issued for the travellers who are willing to visit Belarus for tourism. A Belarus tourist visa grants you validity of up to 90 days. It can be a single entry or a multiple entry visa depending on the type. You can apply for the visa offline directly to the embassy of Belarus.

In order to get the Belarus visa stamp on your passport, you will have to follow an offline procedure. The process is carried out by the Embassy of Belarus. The step by step procedure for the tourist visa application is given as follows:

1. Download and print the visa application form from the official Belarus embassy website.
2. Fill the form thoroughly will all the correct details.
3. Attach one photograph to the visa application form.
4. Proof of accommodation - hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc
5. Attach copy of health insurance certificate
6. Submit the form to the embassy personally along with all the supporting documents.

When the documents have been submitted, the Embassy will then process the documents and the passport will be provided with the visa stamp for Belarus. The passport will be mailed back to you on your registered address.

It is important to take note that you must submit genuine documents as there are chances that with incorrect documents or wrong information you may have to go through visa rejection. The visa rejection might even affect your future visa applications.

At the time of applying for the tourist visa to Belarus, there are various factors that you need to consider to be able to obtain the visa stamp. The eligibility criteria for the visa is mentioned as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Belarus.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements
• You must be healthy enough to travel to Belarus.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Belarus.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds

• You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Belarus.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different sorts of documents required for the issuance of the Belarus visa. The common documents that are mandated are listed as follows:

• A visa application form, completely filled with correct information.
• One recent photograph as per the standards of the photo specifications.
• Passport with a validity of up to at least 6 months ahead of the date of journey.
• The passport must have at least two blank pages for obtaining the visa stamp and the issue date must not be older than 10 years.
• A medical insurance certificate attested with RUE Belgosstrakh or Beleximgarant with any foreign insurance organization.
• Confirmation from the consular of the paid fees.
• Other additional documents if requested by the consular.
• Proof of accommodation - Hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.
• Bank statement from the past 6 months.
  
  

• Coloured photos
• Dimensions: 32mm x 35mm from face to chin
• 70% to 80% face coverage
• White background
• Neutral expressions on the face
• Head must be square to the camera
• Any kind of glasses are not allowed
• Headgears are prohibited except for religious reasons
• Photographs shouldn’t be older than 3 months

The time taken for the processing of documents and the visa depends upon several factors. These include the type of visa, the number of entries, the workload at the embassy, and others. The tourist visa to Belarus is generally processed within the next 5 business days. The time span may increase or decrease depending upon the factors previously mentioned. Although, if you require the visa soon on an urgent notice, you can get it done in 48 hours upon paying the extra fee.

The tourist visa fee for Belarus is dependent on various aspects such as the validity of the visa, the period of stay, the number of entries, visa extension, delivery charges, service charges, and others. The fee will differ and is to be paid online after filling out the online visa application form.

When the documents are complete and the visa application form is filled completely, it is to be submitted to the Embassy. There are a few things that you should keep in mind -

• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The visa fee is generally not refundable.

In order to check the status of your tourist visa or track the processing of the same, you will have to call the embassy of Belarus. When asked, you can provide your visa application number and your visa status will be known to you. Else, you can simply check the status online on the website of the visa service or visa application centre that you have applied through online.

After the submission of the documents and when you have the visa, you need to be careful about your activities in Belarus as anything inappropriate can lead to visa cancellation. There are certain things that you need to take care of when you have your tourist visa, like, -

• Before travel
• Upon receiving the passport, check for the visa stamp that has been applied on it.
• If you have changed your mind or have different plans after the issuance of the visa, you cannot extend it at the embassy. You may have to reapply for a different visa.
• To extend your period of stay in the Republic of Belarus, you can apply to the local office of Citizenship and Migration Department and get the visa extended or get an exit visa.
• After arrival

• Once you arrive, you need to register at the local Citizenship and Migration office within 5 days.
• The local police will then issue a registration stamp by the Ministry of Interior of Belarus attached to your (visitor’s) passport.
• If you are accommodated in the hotel, the reception bureau will arrange the process for you.
• When you enter Belarus

• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.